Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to retract threatening statements made against former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The controversy erupted following Okpebholo’s remarks at a public gathering on Friday, where he imposed conditions on Obi’s future visits to the state. The governor linked Obi’s previous visit to alleged security incidents and questioned the source of donations made during that trip.
Speaking at the event, Okpebholo declared: “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.”
Responding through a statement on Sunday, Falana characterised the governor’s comments as constitutionally problematic and demanded immediate action to address the situation.
“The threat to the life of Mr. Peter Obi issued by the ‘new sheriff in town’ in Edo State, constitutes a violation of section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples (Ratification and Enforcement) which guarantee the fundamental right of every citizen to life,” Falana stated.
The legal expert referenced constitutional provisions regarding government responsibilities, arguing that the governor’s stance contradicts his duty to protect citizens. Falana emphasised that Okpebholo should reverse his position and make amends.
“In view of section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, Governor Okpebholo should withdraw the threat, apologise publicly to Mr. Peter Obi and assure him of the safety of his life in Edo State,” he said.
Should the governor refuse to comply, Falana outlined potential legal remedies available to Obi, suggesting immediate court intervention to protect his constitutional rights.
“However, if Governor Okpebholo does not withdraw the illegal threat because of sheer arrogance of raw power, Mr. Peter Obi should proceed to file an application in the Benin Judicial Division of the Federal High Court to secure the enforcement of his fundamental right to life. Mr. Obi should act with utmost urgency in view of the prevalence of mob justice and other forms of extrajudicial killings in the country,” Falana concluded.
The dispute highlights ongoing political tensions in Edo State and raises questions about freedom of movement for opposition figures across Nigeria’s political landscape.
